The Rotator cuff muscles stabilize the shoulder joint, they consist of four muscles supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and subscapularis.
Since the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the body these muscles can be injured in many different ways, such examples include an awkward fall or blow to the shoulder, forcefully throwing a ball, a repetitive action at work like using a mouse on a computer can cause overuse problems.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff injury:
dull ache in the shoulder
difficulty putting arm above head
difficulty putting arm behind your back
pain/weakness in your arm
disturbed sleep when lying on injured shoulder
Depending on the severity of the injury different levels of stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises would be applied to aid recuperation.
Arm across chest stretch:
Passive stretch that should be felt at the back of the shoulder.
Mobility Exercise:
Start with towel at your waist, raise arms above head then return to starting point.
Strength Exercise:
Starting position on the left, lifting arm upwards to finish in position on the right.
These are sample exercises however a Rotator Cuff injury should be treated by a Therapist who will cater your recovery to your specific needs.
That's all folks till next time!
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